Catch-and-release

This conservation measure, whether obligatory or voluntary, gives fish a reprieve from death. Catch-and-release techniques involve various actions designed to increase the probability of survival: Using small or medium-sized barbless hooks, or bending in/filing off the barbs; shortening fighting time and bringing in the fish quickly to prevent exhaustion; using pliers to remove hooks quickly and cleanly; giving the fish time to recover from its ordeal before releasing it.